5 New Skills to Learn in 2017

5 New Skills to Learn in 2017

The holidays are a stressful time for everyone. While we want to be filled with all sorts of holiday cheer and happiness, there are tons of little issues and problems that seem to always pop up around this time of year. Whether it’s your family, having to meet new people, or having to entertain tons of people, it can be difficult to escape potential stressors. We’ve put together this essential reading list to help you pick up the tips and tricks to help you get through the holidays unscathed.

1. Because You Always Say You Are Too Busy

Interested in the culinary arts, but lack the time or money to learn everything you want to become a gourmet chef? Tim Ferris, #1 New York Times Bestselling author, has you covered. In the 4-Hour Chef, Ferris first teaches readers how to digest information quickly, using his “meta-learning” process. He then dives into the building blocks of cooking. Finally, Ferris gives readers information about the nature and science behind the food on our plate. Learn how to make your cooking professional with this awesome book.

2. Because You Want To Work The Room

A big part of the holiday season is schmoozing and meeting new people. Read The Charisma Myth, by Olivia Fox Cabane, to gather all the help you need to own every room you walk into this winter. Cabane writes that charisma isn’t some mythical quality, rather, it can be taught and learned. She gives readers specific steps and exercises to help them become masters of charisma and magnetic forces of personality.

3. Because You Want To Remember Everything You Read

Talking about books you’ve recently read is a great way to break the ice or build a relationship with someone new. However, talking about books can be challenging when you forget everything you read. How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading, by Mortimer Adler, gives you the skills to remember everything your read. First published in 1940, this classic teaches you how to read, understand, and internalize the books you read, whether they are for business or pleasure.

4. Because You Want to Be a Better Problem Solver

Originally written for Japanese schoolchildren, Ken Watanabe’s book gives readers the tools to master the essential skill of problem solving. Watanabe pushes readers to engage in critical thinking to solve all sorts of problems and logic puzzles. From real world examples to sample scenarios and illustrations, Watanabe gives readers all they need to tackle the really hard problems in their lives. Use what you’ve learned to handle anything that might get thrown at you this stressful holiday season.

5. Because You May Need To Fix It Yourself Someday

Nothing has the potential to ruin a holiday get together more than a faulty kitchen appliance or, god-forbid, a broken toilet. And if you’re like us, you aren’t exactly the handiest person around, so any help is great. Thankfully, this homeowner’s guide, edited by Nicole Smith, is your one-stop-shop for all things handyman. As the title says, pick up this book to learn how to fix all of the issues in your home, saving yourself tons of potential anger in the meantime.

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Michael Weinberg is a writer on The Path Editorial Team. He is a graduate of Tufts University. He is interested in how nutrition affects athletic performance and competes in triathlons and obstacle runs.